DIAGNOSTIC & COUNSELING CENTER
Assess. Address. Progress.
OUR TEAM
The Diagnostic and Counseling Center is unique in that we offer both assessment and treatment in the same facility. Whether you are looking for a diagnosis, or psychotherapy, our team is highly qualified to meet your needs.
Bahareh Talei, Psy.D.
Dr. Bahareh Talei received her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Dr. Talei is a licensed psychologist and is co-founder of Diagnostic & Counseling Center (DCC). Her experience has primarily been in working with children and adolescents with various disabilities such as autism and difficulties with learning and attention. Throughout her career, Dr. Talei has been actively engaged in the assessment of a diverse population (e.g., pervasive developmental disorder, learning disorders, central nervous system damage) and training of other professionals. Her experience and interests also includes conducting individual and group psychotherapy with family members of children with developmental disabilities and other populations (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders, and infertility).
PSY# 21252
Cara Itule, MFT
Cara Itule, LMFT earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Pepperdine University. She is the co-founder of the Diagnostic and Counseling Center and brings over 25 years of experience in child development to her practice.
Cara specializes in treating generalized anxiety and mood disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. Her clinical expertise also includes working with childhood trauma, ADHD, dyslexia, and other non-specific learning disorders. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic/existential theories, allowing her to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs.
She also works extensively with clients on the autism spectrum, focusing on developing social/pragmatic language, adaptive functioning, and stress management skills. Additionally, Cara supports individuals living with chronic pain and illness-related disabilities.
For over 16 years, Cara has conducted neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessments. Her assessment work specializes in identifying specific and non-specific learning disorders, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and giftedness. She is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma-focused intervention.
MFC# 47708
Laura McGovern, AMFT
Laura McGovern is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Laura obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Through this program, Laura received clinical training in numerous modalities. Now working primarily from a client-centered and holistic approach, Laura integrates her training and knowledge to personalize therapy to each individual.
Laura has worked with children, adolescents, couples, and adults facing a variety of issues—including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, emotion dysregulation, phase of life issues, and grief. Passionate about empowering individuals and reducing stigma attached to mental health, Laura provides a safe and non-judgmental collaborative space for clients to explore and process difficult topics.
AMFT #150053, APCC #11976
Abeera Tareen, AMFT
Abeera Tareen (she/her) is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#133799). Abeera obtained her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, and her B.A. in Gender Studies from University of California, Los Angeles.
Abeera works with clients of all ages and cultural backgrounds. She typically works from a Cognitive-Behavioral lens and Humanistic lens, but is a strong believer that therapy needs to be tailored to fit the individual. Abeera is so excited to help you work towards growth, healing, awareness, processing, and reflection.
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AMFT #133799
Vandad Gashtili, AMFT
Vandad Gashtili, AMFT received his Masters degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Vandad has been working in the field of mental health for over five years working with adolescents and adults dealing with various mood and anxiety disorders.
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Vandad has a passion for helping others overcome anxiety and has begun to incorporate various methods in his practice such as CBT, mindfulness and meditation practices. Furthermore, he does not believe that one size fits all and can tailor treatment depending on clients needs.
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AMFT #136715
Brooke Wexler, AMFT, APCC
Brooke Wexler worked in the entertainment industry for almost ten years. However, her passion for mindfulness and mental well-being led her to pursue a career in psychology as a therapist. Brooke received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and is now a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Clinical Professional Counselor. Her unique experience and clinical training in acute care have made her comfortable working with a range of clients, primarily in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Brooke tailors her treatment by utilizing modalities such as mindfulness, CBT, and psychodynamic theory but truly believes in an approach unique to each individual.
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AMFT #135965 and APCC #12667
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Parisa Samii , AMFT
Parisa Samii (she/her) holds a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute's MFT Program of Campbellsville University, graduating in May 2023. Parisa is a compassionate clinician with an approach that recognizes and respects the unique cultural backgrounds of each client, fostering an inclusive and understanding environment. She has experience addressing a diverse range of therapeutic and diagnostic issues, including anxiety, depression, multicultural challenges, parenting dynamics, high intensity career-related stressors, perfectionism, phase-of-life transitions, relational concerns, ADHD, and adjustment issues.
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Parisa's therapeutic approach is rooted in a strengths-based perspective, fostering collaboration with clients. Drawing inspiration from humanistic/person-centered and emotionally focused therapy principles, she explores the profound aspects of the human experience. Parisa firmly believes in the innate capacity of all individuals to embark on a path toward authenticity, positive growth, and a more meaningful life.
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AMFT #140905
under the supervision of Cara Itule, LMFT #47708
Grace Bindley, AMFT
Grace Bindley is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#141023). Grace received her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University.
Grace is dedicated to assisting children, teens, adults, and families with a range of specialized services. Her expertise encompasses diverse issues, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. By utilizing a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness, Grace customizes treatment to meet the specific needs of each client.
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Valerie Hanna, AMFT
Valerie Hanna is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
Valerie brings a wealth of experience from her work in a residential treatment facility, where she supported clients navigating experiences such as suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, ASD, and ADHD. She also has extensive experience working closely with clients' families to foster a holistic approach to treatment.
Valerie utilizes an eclectic therapeutic approach, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Her client-centered approach ensures that each client's treatment is personalized, allowing her to meet individuals where they are and support them in their journey toward healing and growth.
AMFT #148842
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Kelsey Waesche, AMFT
Telehealth only
I have extensive training in DBT and take a holistic approach to treating anxiety, particularly when it is connected to experiences of loss. Loss can manifest in many ways, such as the end of a significant relationship, career changes, or the transition into a new phase of life, each bringing its own form of grief and anxiety. I utilize a range of therapeutic techniques, including CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Family Systems, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and more, to help clients manage anxiety and navigate the emotional challenges associated with these experiences.
My own experiences as a biracial woman has shaped my desire to help others explore their personal narrative and give them a sense of belonging. I have always been particularly drawn to encouraging teens and adolescents, yet I have found working with parents, caregivers, and couples just as important. I also recognize there is a strong need for individuals to process traumas that may be keeping them feeling stagnant. I strive to highlight every individual’s resiliency and further emphasize their innate abilities to propel them into a positive future.
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AMFT# 133832
Supervised by Dr. Bahareh Talei.
Athena Adamian, AMFT
Athena Adamian is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Athena obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis is Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
Athena works with children, adolescents and adults dealing with a variety of symptoms and challenges including anxiety, depression, life stressors, self-esteem and transitional stages. Athena is knowledgeable in many therapeutic approaches but believes each client benefits from an individualized collaborative treatment plan. Athena is passionate about providing a space where clients feel safe to discover, heal, and grow.
AMFT#149724
Supervised by Cara Itule, MFT
Micaela Parker , AMFT, APCC
Sometimes we all need a little help. Micaela specializes in working with teens, adults, and families. Whether she is connecting with her clients or other professionals, Micaela believes in encouraging others to explore, process, and conquer their fears so they can thrive. Micaela received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University and her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. Combining a neurodivergent-affirming and strengths-based perspective with a psychoanalytic approach, Micaela creates a therapeutic environment where others feel safe exploring personal barriers and creating lives filled with meaning, purpose, belonging, and fulfillment. Her other areas of expertise include grief, complex PTSD, and transition or periods of change. In her spare time, she also participates on the board of a local nonprofit, Childhood Matters, and enjoys creative outlets like graphic design. You can find more information on her website: www.yourtherapistmicaela.com
Grief, complex PTSD, trauma, transition or periods of change, and neurodivergent-affirming care for older teens, young adults, and adults both in person and online therapy
AMFT# 143414
APCC#15721
Supervised by Dr. Bahareh Talei
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Alder Johnson
Alder is a Licensed Psychological Associate with a master’s in psychology from Purdue Global University. They are working toward their psychologist's license under the supervision of Dr. Bahareh Talei (PSY21252). Alder specializes in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Trauma, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. They believe that the relationship between the therapist and client is core to therapeutic outcomes and work to help clients reconnect with their authentic selves. Alder is a Plural, LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kink affirming therapist. Their goal is to help destigmatize mental health and provide a combination of practical and emotional support to encourage healing. They pull from several frameworks, including EMDR, somatic therapy, self-determination theory, existential psychology, internal family systems therapy, and solutions-based therapy. They believe in client-led therapy and work collaboratively with the client to find what works best for them.
Self-determination theory, existential psychology, solutions-based therapy, somatic therapy, internal family systems, EMDR. Autism, ADHD, DID, Trauma, LGBTQIA+
Telehealth and In person (At Irivine location)
CA PSB #94027671
Supervised by Dr. Bahareh Talei
Veronica Dayan, AMFT
Veronica N. Dayan is a registered Associate Family and Marriage Therapist with a deep commitment to fostering healthy relationships. Veronica holds a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Campbellsville University at Phillips Graduate Institute. She specializes in working with couples, families, and individuals to navigate the complexities of interpersonal dynamics. Veronica has a passion for working with clients to improve and manage symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression. My approach is rooted in understanding the diverse cultural backgrounds of my clients, allowing for a personalized and empathetic therapeutic experience. Fluent in English and Spanish, she provides bilingual therapy services to serve a wider community better. Whether you’re facing challenges in self-esteem, communication, conflict resolution, or seeking to strengthen your family bonds, Veronica can support your journey toward growth and connection.
Veronica Dayan, AMFT#148277
Supervised by Cara Itule, MFT
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Dr. Rannia Brown
Dr. Brown treats patients in our Irvine office.
Dr. Rannia Brown is a highly skilled clinician with 15 years of experience and a thorough background in the research, theory, and practice of treating substance abuse, trauma, co-occurring disorders, and neurodivergence. Dr. Brown earned her Doctoral Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has extensive experience working with both adolescents and adults in various mental health and substance abuse treatment settings, including individual and group counseling, and neurodivergent treatment center, residential settings and has extensive experience working with individuals who have previously been unable to make progress in healing.
She is a fierce ally to the Neurodivergent and LGBT+ community and has extensive individual and group counseling, and neurodivergent treatment centers. Dr. Brown has provided mental healthcare in both clinical and residential settings and has extensive experience working with individuals who have previously been unable to make progress in healing. Dr. Brown specializes as a healing practitioner for neurodivergent individuals, focusing on life and behavioral skills, as well as community and family integration for effective healing.
Bianca Morris, RAMFT
Bianca Morris is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#134358) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She has experience working in both clinical and educational settings, providing mental health and behavioral support to individuals of all ages. Bianca specializes in working with autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, offering compassionate and individualized care to help clients navigate their unique challenges.
Believing that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, Bianca tailors her therapeutic methods to fit the needs of each individual. She is dedicated to creating a supportive and understanding environment where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, build resilience, and foster meaningful change. Her goal is to help individuals and families develop the tools they need to thrive in their personal and relational lives.
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